US intensifies military presence in Indo-Pacific
By Han Xudong Source:Global Times Published: 2018/7/24 15:38:39
It has been some time since the term Indo-Pacific was officially adopted by the US. But many people believe that apart from renaming US Pacific Command as Indo-Pacific Command in May, Washington has made little substantial progress in its Indo-Pacific strategy. However, from the perspective of military deployment, the general outline and structure of US military presence is being shaped. Such military presence includes materials and equipment, military exercises, military exchanges and the establishment of military bases, which can enable US troops to flex their muscles.
The establishment of the Indo-Pacific Command indicates that the Indian Ocean is no longer ancillary to the US' overall Pacific strategy, but a crucial part of the entire Indo-Pacific region. The strategic position of the Indian Ocean has thus been elevated. The move also shows that US strategic focus is shifting from sea to land. Guam in the Western Pacific, Darwin Harbor in northern Australia and Diego Garcia in the central Indian Ocean will provide support for the new Indo-Pacific strategy. Military presence at the three spots will be key to future US Indo-Pacific strategy.
http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1112119.shtml
